Over 300 4-H'ers and interested adults gathered recently for the annual St. James Parish 4-H Achievement Day held at Lutcher High School on May 1st. Awards and recognition were given to individuals and 4-H clubs throughout the day, as well as recognizing adults who volunteer their time to work in the 4-H program. School board members, Carol Lambert and Kenneth Foret were on hand to help recognize these youth and adults.

Rebekah Taylor, Lutcher High School 4-H Club President, called the 4-H Achievement Day to order and served as mistress of ceremonies. The day began with the explanation of the six pillars of character by Lutcher High 4-H'ers, Ashley Zeringue and Jaci Leblanc; as each pillar was introduced and paraded by Lutcher High School 4-H club members, Stevi McClung, Colin Berthelot, Shyanne Naquin, Blaise Duhe, Nykeisha Ricard, and Emily Folse. A parade of banners from each of the 4-H clubs of the parish followed, then the presentation of flags by Lutcher High School Club members, Prentiss Williamson, Neal Poche, III, and Conner Louque.

Paulina 4-H'er, Hannah Berthelot, led the group in the National Anthem. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ashley Louque, followed by the 4-H Pledge led by Emily Swisher-Anderson and Rache'l Oatis led the invocation.

4-H Agent, Kenneth Guidry then took over for special introductions and presentation of special awards. Attorney, Jason Verdigets, was introduced by Brandi Sieber, Lutcher High School 4-H Club Vice President. He gave a special Law Day talk and asked youth to get involved in the judicial process.

Helping to present awards, were School Board representative, Gaynell Albert - District 2 School Board member, Kenneth Foret - District 3 School Board member, Carol Lambert and 4-H Program Assistant, Felix Landry. Also helping for the day were Ascension 4-H Agents, Sara Sturdevent and Stephanie Gravois.

Mr.s Evelie Scioneaux was then introduced as the 2013 4-H Hall of Fame Award recipient. Mrs. Scioneaux has served as a volunteer 4-H Leader at Fifth Ward Elementary, assisted at St. James High and as a Livestock project club leader.

Clubs also participated in either a 4-H Song or Yell contest, and presented a talent number to entertain the group. Ms. Rikki Edwards' talented students, from the Science and Math Academy Gifted and Talented, presented a short play on Character, called Be-boy with Aesop.

State 4-H President, Robert Lancon, from Iberia Parish made as special presentation to the group and encouraged all to get involved and stay involved especially at the state level where there are so many opportunities that await 4-H club members.